Cornell Cooperative Extension Awarded Hefty Research Grant

During a time when many non-profit organizations are feeling the pinch, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County has been awarded a sizable research grant of over $208,000 to study genetic variations in monkfish.

Monkfish, sometimes known a goosefish, is an important economic generator across the New England and mid-Atlantic states, with a market value of nearly $19 million in 2010.

The research is aimed at studying monkfish stock from New Foundland to North Carolina, to determine if monkfish constitute single or multiple stocks.

The grant was awarded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Fisheries Service Cooperative Research Program. For the first time ever, sensitive DNA markers will be used to evaluate the stock and provide research to guide future management decisions.

Fishing industry participants and scientists will assist with sample collection; CCE scientists will train all participants on proper sample collection procedures.

CCE’s marine program focuses on enhancing and maintaining the economic benefits of Long Island’s marine industry, protecting water quality, eelgrass and shellfish restoration, fisheries management, providing public education about environmental consequences of storm water runoff, and additional educational outreach.